This tour begins in London with two overnights and free time to see the major landmarks. Then, cross the English Channel by ferry and drive to Amsterdam, a fascinating city built along 165 canals. Travel along the banks of the legendary Rhine River to Germany and stop in Heidelberg before crossing into Switzerland. In Lucerne, marvel at the famous Lion Monument. Absorb beautiful views of the Swiss mountains, and cross the St. Gotthard Tunnel to the shores of Lake Lugano to then enter Italy. Pause in Verona to see Juliet’s balcony; in Venice, enjoy a canal boat ride to St. Mark’s Square and see the Bridge of Sighs, Doges’ Palace, and the Basilica; visit Assisi and St. Francis’ Basilica, then head for Rome, the “Eternal City,” for a visit to the Colosseum and Roman Forum. Travel south to the archaeological site of Pompeii, destroyed in 79 AD by the volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Stay in Sorrento for two nights, and enjoy a boat trip to the glamorous Isle of Capri. On the way to France, visit Florence the Renaissance city, and Pisa, famous for its Leaning Tower. Finally, reach the French Riviera and a drive through Provence to the alpine town of Grenoble. Stop in Burgundy’s Beaune on the way to Paris, the “City of Light,” for two final overnights. A Local Guide will show you the highlights, which you will be able to continue exploring on your own. Return to London by Eurostar train for an additional overnight.

Meals

Meals & Itinerary

Itinerary

Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description.

Day 1 Arrive in London, England

Check into your hotel. In the afternoon, you may want to start exploring the lively British capital. Uniformed hosts are available to help you make the most of your stay.

Day 2 London

A full day to savor our rich program of optional activities: take a panoramic tour of London’s landmarks, visit the Tower of London, or choose an excursion to Windsor Castle. Tonight, maybe a leisurely cruise on the Thames River?

Breakfast

Day 3 London–Amsterdam Area, Holland

Leave London in the early morning and head through the lush English countryside to the Channel port, where you embark on your FERRY for the Continent. Meet your Tour Director and board your luxury coach for the drive to the Amsterdam area.

Breakfast

Day 4 Amsterdam Area–Rhineland, Germany

Today, enjoy sightseeing in Amsterdam with a Local Guide pointing out the city highlights. Later, a CANAL CRUISE to see the city from water level, then watch the cutting and polishing of precious stones at a DIAMOND CENTER. This afternoon, continue your journey to the scenic Rhineland for an overnight.

Breakfast

Dinner

Day 5 Rhineland–Heidelberg–Lucerne Area, Switzerland

Drive through the picturesque Rhineland this morning or, alternatively, take the optional Rhine River cruise and enjoy splendid scenery including the Lorelei rock. Next, drive into Germany’s oldest university town, Heidelberg, nicely located at the confluence of the Neckar and Rhine Rivers, for a short visit. In the afternoon, travel by way of the Autobahn into Switzerland for two overnights in the Lucerne area.

Breakfast

Day 6 Lucerne Area

One of Switzerland’s finest cities, Lucerne is nestled amid its snowcapped Alps, surrounded by its lake, and graced by the clear mountain waters of the Reuss River. The orientation includes the LION MONUMENT, erected in memory of the 800 Swiss Guards who defended Louis XVI and his wife, and the wooden CHAPEL BRIDGE. A grand selection of optional activities completes the day: a cable-car ride to the 10,000-foot summit of Mount Titlis; a cruise on the fjord-like lake; and, of course, time to shop for that very Swiss watch.

Breakfast

Day 7 Lucerne Area–Lugano–Verona, Italy–Venice Area

More wonderful Alpine scenery as you drive into the mountain ranges that surround the massive St. Gotthard. Once through its great tunnel, you’ll start your scenic descent into the warmer and sunnier ambiance of Canton Ticino. Stop in beautiful Lugano and take a stroll along the lakeside promenade. Then, cross into Italy and drive across the Po Valley to Verona, medieval setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. See Juliet’s house and balcony, and stroll around the picturesque market square. Tonight, you are in the Venice area.

Breakfast

Day 8 Venice Area

Venice is more like a marvelous film set than a real-life city, with its criss-crossing canals, gondolas and water buses, arched bridges, palaces, and busy little piazzas. The included orientation starts with a BOAT RIDE to St. Mark's Square and is followed by some time to soak up the city’s unique atmosphere and a chance to watch Venetian GLASSBLOWERS fashion their delicate objects as they did centuries ago. Don’t miss out on the optional gondola trip, gliding along the picturesque canals with a local troubadour to serenade you.

Breakfast

Dinner

Day 9 Venice Area–Assisi–Rome

An interesting drive southward, cutting across the Po Plains, then crossing the rolling Apennines. Stop in Assisi, where St. Francis was born in 1182. Visit the world-famous BASILICA with its beautiful frescoes by Giotto, then head for Rome.

Breakfast

Day 10 Rome

The “Eternal City”—a city steeped in history, vibrantly alive and exciting, and absolutely unique! Included sightseeing with a Local Guide starts in St. Peter's Square, followed by a visit to the ROMAN FORUM and the mighty COLOSSEUM.

Breakfast

Day 11 Rome–Pompeii–Neapolitan Riviera

South all the way today, with the volcano Vesuvius in the distance. First, a stop in POMPEII, where time stopped in 79 AD when the Vesuvius eruption totally destroyed it. On the included visit you can see the luxurious villas, temples, theater, and forum. Just a few more miles for two overnights on the Neapolitan Riviera.

Breakfast

Day 12 Neapolitan Riviera. Excursion to Capri

Cross the blue sea to Capri. This legendary island, surrounded by rose-tinted rocks, has incredibly beautiful coves of translucent blues and greens. The town, with its pretty piazzetta, maze of streets, fashionable boutiques, and smart restaurants, is a mecca for the jet set. An optional tour takes you around the island with its steep roads and panoramic views.

Breakfast

Dinner

Day 13 Neapolitan Riviera–Florence

An early start this morning for the journey north to Florence. Vistas of undulating hills, austere rows of cypress trees, terraced vineyards, olive groves, and rural villages form the backdrop of your journey through beautiful Tuscany. Arrive in Florence in the afternoon in time to enjoy its magnificent architectural and artistic treasures; the included walking tour with a Local Guide will take in most of the highlights.

Breakfast

Dinner

Day 14 Florence–Pisa–French Riviera, France

Stop in Pisa to see the Leaning Tower in the SQUARE OF MIRACLES. Bypassing the great port of Genoa, you drive northwest, getting glimpses of the Italian and French Rivieras. The drive continues to descend to the shores of the Côte d’Azur for an overnight in this charming region.

Breakfast

Day 15 French Riviera–Route Napoleon–Grenoble

A great itinerary today! Start the day with a visit to a typical Provence PERFUME WORKSHOP in Grasse, then follow in the footsteps of Napoleon as he escaped from exile in Elbe. Once he landed on the shores of the Côte d’Azur, he made his way to Paris via Grasse. Continue via Digne and Gap to Grenoble on the Route Napoleon. Overnight in Grenoble, now an alpine sports mecca and site of the 1968 Winter Olympic Games.

Breakfast

Dinner

Day 16 Grenoble–Beaune–Paris

Enjoy the very heart of the Burgundy wine-growing region, making a stop in lovely Beaune, surrounded by some of the world’s finest vineyards. Time to see the famous Hôtel-Dieu, once a hospital. Continue northwards directly to Paris for two overnights.

Breakfast

Day 17 Paris

Paris is a world-class city that probably has more familiar landmarks than almost any other city in the world. This morning, see them during the included city tour. View the famous Arc de Triomphe, Opéra, Eiffel Tower, Champs Elysées, and much more with a Local Guide. In the afternoon, feel like a French aristocrat as you join the optional walking tour through the immense Palace of Versailles. This evening, why not join an optional farewell dinner?

Breakfast

Day 18 Paris–London, England

Relax on your Eurostar journey back to London.

Breakfast

Day 19 London

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

Breakfast

Tour Director

With Cosmos, there’s no better way to get to know your destination than through the eyes of your Tour Director. Averaging over a decade... we’d like you to meet a Tour Director, who is representative of the type of expert that will be with you on your vacation.

CLARISSE TERRONI

Escorting tours for more than 10 years

Years of Experience: 13

“Travel through Europe offers a taste of different cultures. What is an Ausfahrt? No, it's not Aussie flatulence. Have you ever played music with a saw? The Austrians and Swiss do. Come to Europe with a healthy appetite and light suitcases. You're sure to return home with a bit of extra weight (bags AND tummy). I look forward to sharing this travel experience together and seeing Europe through your eyes!”

Optional Excursions

The following list of optional excursions are examples only for this vacation. These optional excursions might or might not be offered. Whether it's a special dinner, a local show or a special behind-the-scenes glimpse into an historical site, optional excursions are a wonderful way to enrich your vacation even further. Plus, they give you flexibility. We include the must-see sites and experiences, and we also understand that people take interest in different activities and may want to craft a more personal vacation by hand-picking optional excursions that appeal to them.

Rhine Gorge

Lucerne

Venice

Rome

Sorrento

French Riviera

Paris

Rhine Gorge

Lorelei and Its Castles

The Rhine is one of the longest and most important rivers in Europe, running for over 1,232 kms. and flowing through 6 countries. The Rhine cruise we offer lasts approx. 1 and a half hours and is in the Rhine gorge - a steep sided valley filled with vineyards and castles overlooking the river. Pass the legendary Lorelei Rock, which soars some 120 meters above the waterline, and is also the name of a feminine water spirit. One drink per person is included during the cruise.

Approximate value: 25 EUR per person

Lucerne

Engelberg Only

Spend a few hours in this panoramic village very famous winter sport center of Central Switzerland at the foot of Mount Titlis. In Engelberg which is also a charming village you can take a walk or you can shop in the bazaars and enjoy traditional Swiss cuisine in a typical restaurant

Approximate value: 40 EUR per person

Mount Titlis

Drive to Alpine Engelberg - very famous sport center of Central Switzerland - to take the Titlis-Rotair, the world's first revolving cable car, up to 10,000 feet where eternal snow resists even the summer sun. A panoramic view all the way up with 360 degree vistas of glaciers and icefalls. On top of Mount Titlis there is a Restaurant with a nice terrace and a solarium from which you can also enjoy an enchanting view.

Approximate value: 85 EUR per person

Pilatus

A thrilling trip up to one of the most famous Swiss mountains. Mount Pilatus is 2,132 m. (7,000 ft) high and enjoys a superb panorama over central Switzerland. According to legend, the body of the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, lay in the mountain lake, hence the name of the mountain.

Approximate value: 69 EUR per person

Scenic Lake Cruise

An hour's guided cruise on the most beautiful lake in Switzerland gives you an introduction to this lovely city from a completely different aspect. With its many bays, it offers superb panoramas of the surrounding landscape. The cruise is operated on a comfortable private covered boat and a commentary will be given by one of the crew staff who will explain the history of all the enchanting villages and you will learn some interesting stories of the Swiss History.

Approximate value: 30 EUR per person

The Titlis Ice Flyer

An extension to the Mount Titlis excursion, the Ice Flyer is a chair lift, specially equipped to protect from wind, snow and rain. The 2,460 foot journey lasts six minutes and you can enjoy an absolutely unique and unforgettable ride.

Approximate value: 10 EUR per person

Venice

Discover The Venetian Lagoon

Discover the Venetian lagoon on an afternoon excursion lasting approximately 3 hours. After sailing past the island of St. Giorgio, the public gardens, Sant'Elena, the Lido and Murano the boat takes you to the famous island of Burano. This is the most picturesque of Venetian islands of the lagoon and the pretty fishing village has its streets and canals lined by pastel colored houses. It is also famous for its lace-making industry. There will be time to look around Burano on your own before returning back to St. Mark's Square by boat.

Approximate value: 35 EUR per person

Gondola Serenade

One of the highlights of a trip to Europe and something not to be missed during your visit to Venice is a gondola serenade. The gondola ride either takes place in the morning or the afternoon and lasts approximately 30 minutes when during this time you can relax whilst cruising not only on the Grand Canal but also down many small canals to see Venice from the water. During the gondola ride a local musician will serenade you with the traditional romantic music of Italy. Note: the gondola is to be shared with other Cosmos guests (maximum 6 participants on each gondola). There will be one musician on board of one of the gondola boats in your fleet.

Approximate value: 40 EUR per person

Venetian Night Out & Dinner

As the title suggests, this is a real Venetian night out. Embark on a motorboat for a cruise along the impressive Giudecca Canal with the tour director pointing out the most important palaces, all built by the Venetian gentry between the 12th and 13th centuries. Upon disembarkation an evening stroll though some of the romantic narrow streets of this fascinating city to eventually reach one of the specially chosen local restaurants for your Venetian dinner. After a welcoming aperitif of the house you can sit down and enjoy a typical dinner with a choice of starters and main course followed by a delicious dessert. Included also is red or white wine plus mineral water and tea or coffee. After dinner you will be given some free time in St. Mark's Square, said to have been called the "drawing room of Europe" by Napoleon and which is one of the few great urban spaces in Europe where human voices prevail over the sounds of motorized traffic. A motorboat will then take you part of the way back to your hotel.

Approximate value: 70 EUR per person

Rome

Castelli Romani with Dinner

The excursion will leave from the hotel around 3:30 pm to drive south-east out of Rome to the Alban Hills. Castel Gandolfo is a small town occupying a height overlooking Lake Albano and was voted one of the most beautiful towns in Italy. It is best known as the summer residence of the Pope. A short stop will be made here before proceeding via Marino and Grottaferrata to the nearby town of Frascati. Frascati is renowned for its white wine and is also an important historical and artistic center. The restaurant we take you to for dinner is near to the characteristic market square and has a particularly charming rustic atmosphere with history in each of its stones. The quality and originality of the Roman kitchen allows you to sample local dishes with unlimited local white wine and mineral water plus coffee. During the evening you will be entertained by an accordion player.

Approximate value: 50 EUR per person

The Catacombs

With a local guide discover the imperial and early Christian Rome by exploring the Eternal city's underground burial chambers with its long winding catacombs and crypts. Two examples of these Catacombs are the "Catacombe of San Callisto" which is one of the biggest with a network of galleries about 17 kms long and 20 meters deep. It contains the crypt of nine popes, early Christian frescoes and paintings. The other Catacomb is "Catacombe of San Domitilla" which has the oldest catacomb and is visited by passing through a 4th century church. One of the highlights of this catacomb is a second century fresco of the Last Supper. Note that the various catacombs have different closing periods so it is not possible to guarantee which will be visited during the excursion. Also included on this excursion is a visit to The Papal Basilica "St. Paul Outside the Walls" . At the beginning of the 4th century the Emperor Constantine ordered the excavation of the place where Christians venerated the memory of Saint Paul the Apostle and above his grave, located outside the Aurelian Walls surrounding Rome, Constantine built a Basilica which was consecrated by Pope Sylvester in 324. Every year in the Basilica on the feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul i.e. on 25th January, the week of prayer for Christian Unity opens.

Approximate value: 40 EUR per person

Treasures of Rome By Night & Dinner

An early evening tour will show you other aspects of Rome, perhaps not seen on the included sightseeing tour. Either before or after dinner you will have an orientation drive to probably include Castel Sant' Angelo, Palace of Justice, Mausoleum of Augustus, Aurelian walls, Villa Borghese, Via Veneto, Piazza Barberini and Via Nazionale. Dinner will be taken at one of the local restaurants and you can sample a delicious 3 course menu with dessert including local wine and mineral water plus coffee or tea. During the evening there will be music to add to the romantic Roman atmosphere.

Approximate value: 55 EUR per person

Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel

On this fascinating excursion with a local guide you can stroll through the Vatican Museum and marvel at Michaelangelo's famous creation in the Sistine Chapel. The Vatican Museum houses over 2000 rooms and 9 miles of the most extensive collections of art in the world. The Museums are brilliantly decorated and brim over with treasures and history and the local guide will share with you the stories and secrets contained within the Museum's walls. In the Sistine Chapel you can marvel at Michaelangelo's masterpiece, which is perhaps the greatest example of art anywhere and certainly the largest contiguous body by one painter. There are also some lesser masterpieces in the Sistine Chapel which are also worth seeing. PLEASE NOTE: On December 8th the Jubilee will start in Rome. We have been informed that the passage linking the Sistine Chapel to St. Peter's Basilica may be closed. This means that during the optional Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel it may not be possible for the passengers to access the Basilica directly from the Sistine Chapel.

Approximate value: 60 EUR per person

Sorrento

Capri Island Tour

No holiday would be complete without visiting one of the jewels of the Mediterranean - the romantic island of Capri. Your visit of this beautiful island with a local guide will include a chair lift to Monte Solaro for a breathtaking view, a visit to the fabulous Villa S.Michele - home of Dr. Axel Munthe, a Swedish doctor whose best selling book tells of his time on Capri. The villa has a beautiful shady garden with a terrace offering splendid views of the island. Visit also the Gardens of Augustus situated towards the top of the island which offer tranquility and natural beauty. From vantage points of the Gardens one can see the roofs and bell tower of the St. James' Charterhouse, the Faraglioni rocks rising from the blue of the Tyrrhenian Sea and far below the harbor of Marina Piccola.

Approximate value: 60 EUR per person

Charming Positano

Don't miss the opportunity to visit this charming village on the Amalfi Coast, which a famous author once said "It is a dream place that isn't quite real when you are there and becomes beckoningly real after you have gone." On the journey to Positano you will pass some small towns adjoining Sorrento to reach the Bay of Salerno, from where the first view of the coast is breathtaking. As you approach Positano you can see the statue of the Madonna overlooking the town with its sumptuous villas and gardens with colorful flowering shrubs. You will be dropped off in Piazza dei Mulini to explore the center of Positano on foot, see the enchanting beach, stop and look at the lovely small shops displaying beautiful clothes and ceramics, smell the wonderful aromas from the pastry shops or make an inside visit to the local parish church with its green and yellow majolica dome visible from just about anywhere in Positano. This excursion will either be operated in the early evening or morning, depending on program of tour.

Approximate value: 28 EUR per person

Sorrento Flavours

Soak up the Mediterranean atmosphere in one of the typical local restaurants and sit back and enjoy a traditional Italian menu with a mixed starter, pizza and pasta followed by dessert. The meal includes 1/2 liter of wine and 1/2 liter of mineral water per person, plus tea or coffee or instead a delicious "cappuccino" or even better a lemon liqueur for which Sorrento is famous - "Limoncello".

Approximate value: 30 EUR per person

Sorrento Musical

For a really enjoyable evening out in Sorrento, join this excursion which will take you to a local theatre where the traditions of songs and dances are magically changed into a musical. The show tells the daily life of people from the south in different scenes - the market place (where people bargain whilst chatting and exchanging gossip), the sea (where the fishermen make their tasks more pleasant by singing), love (as here in Sorrento is where the most beautiful Neapolitan love songs were created) and finally the feast (where everybody dances and sings to communicate their job of life). At the beginning and end of the evening you will be offered free flowing wine or soft drinks. Return back to the hotel no doubt with your favorite song still playing in your head.

Approximate value: 28 EUR per person

French Riviera

Montecarlo By Night with Dinner

A beautiful drive along the French Riviera will lead you to the Principality of Monaco where you will see the Cathedral and the Royal Palace of the Grimaldi Family. You can walk in the narrow streets of Monaco and see some charming corners of this Principality. Then proceed to the Casino of Montecarlo where you can absorb the jet set atmosphere. The Casino was used in several James Bond movies due to its glamorous and elegant Belle Epoque building. Whilst you have the opportunity to try your luck at the slot machines*, you will have a drink at the Restaurant "Le Cafe de Paris" close to the Casino itself. *Personal ID required and formal dress code (but not evening wear) recommended. Minimum age limit to enter the Casino 18 years. This optional excursion also include a dinner in an agreeable restaurant which will make your evening complete.

Approximate value: 60 EUR per person

Paris

Cabaret Show

A trip to Paris is not complete without a visit to one of the famous Parisian Cabaret to enjoy an enchanting night. Whilst you see a colorful costume and decor show of music and dances, you will be served a glass of champagne to fully enjoy your evening. This excursion is not operated as a private charter which means you may join others on the same tour which may require picking up and dropping off at several hotels.

Approximate value: 80 EUR per person

Farewell Dinner & Orientation

Tonight you will have the opportunity to taste some delicious specialties of the French cuisine. In a Parisian restaurant with a fascinating atmosphere you will enjoy a four-course dinner with an aperitif and wine. Some music will enliven the evening. An orientation drive of Paris will also be part of this special night

Approximate value: 60 EUR per person

Montparnasse Tower & Cruise

Board the famous Parisian Bateaux at Port de la Bourdonnais; relax and enjoy a guided one hour cruise La Promenade. Whilst proceeding along the Seine, you will enjoy a different spectacular concept of Paris. Before or after the cruise - depending on the schedule - you will ascend the Montparnasse Tower by taking the fastest lift in Europe to enjoy a 360° panoramic enchanting view of the city. Again Paris will be seen from a different side.

Approximate value: 40 EUR per person

Versailles Sun King's Palace (Sat-Sun-Tue)

Week-end visit: Historic Versailles is the beautiful, restored palace of Louis XIV, the Sun King. After the guided tour of the palace where you will have the opportunity to admire the magnificent internal decorations, furniture and huge shining chandeliers, you can stroll in the magnificent terraced gardens with their fountains and statues.

Approximate value: 65 EUR per person

Know Before You Go

These Know Before You Go travel tips are designed with you in mind, with helpful hints to help you prepare for and enjoy your escorted vacation. They are your guide to getting ready and contain general information on travel documentation, customs, and the country/countries you will be visiting, including budgeting, transportation, climate, languages, and much more. With Globus, you benefit from our experience.

* The "Starting at" or listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per passenger based on double occupancy and does not include airfare; additional fees/charges are not included. If a price is crossed out, the new price includes a limited time promotional offer(s) – please review current promotions or deals for additional information. Some tours require intra-vacation flights (and in some cases intra-vacation segments must be purchased from Cosmos).